Humpback whale lingers in croc-infested Kakadu river, as experts plan next step

THE humpback whale that found its way into Kakadu’s East Alligator River is still swimming laps in the muddy water.

The humpback whale that found its way into Kakadu’s East Alligator River is still swimming laps in the muddy water. Picture: NT Government

• Whale, I’ll be stuffed! Three humpback whales visit croc-infested East Alligator River in Kakadu

THE humpback whale that found its way into Kakadu’s East Alligator River continues to swim laps in the muddy water.

The whale has been in the river since the beginning of the month and was originally there with two other whales.

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Kakadu National Park country and culture section manager Feach Moyle said the park believed there was only one whale but could not rule out completely that another may be around as there was almost no visibility underwater.

“There is at least one whale there, it’s still in the same spot, it still seems to be not stressed or injured or entangled and still doing circles in what appears to be a hole in the river bed,” Mr Moyle said.

“It appears that it’s not able or unwilling to leave where it is for whatever reason.

“Maybe the pathway out is too shallow or it’s there for another reason.”

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Mr Moyle said the park would be discussing on Monday whether to tag the animal with a satellite to better monitor its movements.

He said he was not worried about crocodiles attacking the whale unless it became stuck.

An exclusion zone from the mouth of the river to 30km upstream remains in place.